Xiren is an old school friend (he went by a different name when we were in grade school together) who is having a successful career as a musician/singer.
The reason I mention him now is that I’ve just received his latest fan newsletter, and am always impressed with how creative he is with embracing technology. He keeps in touch with fans via a very comprehensive and interactive website, sends them peridic newsletters with news, offers, and schedules of shows. He offers free samples of music, records concerts, provides streaming of live radio shows, and sells merchandise directly to fans. He also records videos of shows and makes them available for streaming or download or purchase as DVDs.
In short, as technology continues to force change in the music industry, artists like Xiren are embracing the opportunity and exploring its potential. Such a contrast to the attitude of the major music labels, who seem to exist only in a state of defensive entitlement protection.
